sql boolean

Galaxy Glossary

What are boolean values in SQL, and how are they used?

SQL boolean data types represent truth values, either TRUE or FALSE. They are fundamental for conditional logic in queries and are used in WHERE clauses and other parts of SQL statements.
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Description

Boolean data types in SQL, often represented as BOOLEAN, BOOL, or similar, store logical values. They are crucial for filtering data based on conditions. Unlike other data types, booleans only hold two possible values: TRUE and FALSE (or sometimes, 1 and 0). This simplicity allows for precise control over data retrieval and manipulation. For instance, you might want to select only customers who have a specific status, like 'active'. A boolean column could hold this status information, allowing you to filter your results effectively. Boolean values are also essential in complex queries involving multiple conditions. Using logical operators like AND, OR, and NOT, you can combine boolean expressions to create sophisticated filtering criteria. This is particularly useful in situations where you need to meet multiple criteria to retrieve the desired data. For example, you might want to find all orders that were placed in a specific month and have a status of 'shipped'.

Why sql boolean is important

Boolean data types are essential for creating precise and efficient queries. They enable filtering based on conditions, which is a fundamental aspect of data retrieval and manipulation. This precision is crucial for applications requiring accurate data selection and reporting.

Example Usage

```sql CREATE TABLE Customers ( CustomerID INT PRIMARY KEY, CustomerName VARCHAR(255), IsActive BOOLEAN ); INSERT INTO Customers (CustomerID, CustomerName, IsActive) VALUES (1, 'Alice', TRUE), (2, 'Bob', FALSE), (3, 'Charlie', TRUE); SELECT CustomerName FROM Customers WHERE IsActive = TRUE; ```

Common Mistakes

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